Rain prevents play before lunch on the fourth day of the final Ashes Test between England and Australia at in London. There was heavy overnight rain and with it still falling on Saturday morning, and more forecast for later, the 11:00 BST start was delayed, with an early lunch taken at 12:30.
England had reached 247-4 by the end of day three in reply to Australia’s first innings total of 492-9 declared.
The hosts lead the series 3-0 and have already secured the Ashes.
The pitch, square and bowlers’ run-ups are completely under cover and water is collecting on top.
With the morning session having been lost, BBC Weather’s Nick Miller said: “It’s not looking good for play any time soon at The Oval.
“I’m expecting further rain of varying intensities over the next few hours. Some heavy bursts, some brief lulls and although it’s not quite as gloomy as it was this morning it’s staying cloudy.
“There’s still a chance for longer drier interludes later in the day, but there really isn’t anything with enough confidence for even an optimist to cling to.
“Tomorrow will be better – after morning showers, the afternoon looks largely dry with sunny spells – warmer too.”
Ian Bell (29) and Chris Woakes (15) are the not-out batsmen overnight after England struggled to score quickly on day three.
That conservative batting performance, coupled with the weather, has increased the likelihood of the game finishing as a draw, although England still need 46 more runs to avoid the follow-on.
Listen to Test Match Special from 1030 BST on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra, BBC Radio 4 LW and via the BBC iPlayer Radio App, BBC Sport website and app. – BBC Sports
